Drayton Manor at Christmas

Drayton Manor at Christmas. We discovered Drayton Manor Theme Park and Thomas Land for the first time this year, after visiting in the early Summer. So when we were invited to visit Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor we jumped at the chance. Magical Christmas runs from the 13th of November until the 31st of December, during which time there is plenty of festive fun to keep both little and big kids amused. The boys were beyond excited to visit Thomas Land at Christmas being huge Thomas fans. So what did we think of a Drayton Manor Thomas Land Christmas? Spoiler alert – we loved it. Read on to find out why and everything you need to know for your visit. 

AD – we were gifted tickets for Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor Park in return for this review – Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor. All words and opinions are my own.

What rides are open during Drayton Manor at Christmas

Thomas Land at Christmas

We visited with a nine-year-old and a five-year-old. Although when we visited previously Drayton Manor as a theme park more than caters to each age group. During the Magical Christmas, all of the thrill rides are closed. The dedicated Thomas Land area is open with over twenty-five attractions including our favourite – the troublesome trucks runaway coaster. All are based on the Island of Sodor. And although many of these family rides are ideal for a five-year-old. They were a little tame for the nine-year-old. Especially one who is a bit of a thrill-seeker, so I would suggest that it is definitely aimed at younger children. However, saying that he still had a nice day and made up for it by enjoying one of the rollercoasters that were open, over and over again!

There was also the opportunity to watch Thomas shows on the balcony above the station. These were on at various times throughout the day. The Fat Controller also made an appearance meeting children and posing for photos. 

Other rides

As well as Thomas land there were a couple of other rides open. The beautiful carousel, a whizzy boat ride that goes around in a circle and the much-loved Accelerator. The Accelerator is a roller coaster that drops from a great height before rushing around in circles and then you do it all over again backwards. Both boys love it and they must have gone on it over ten times. There really wasn’t much of a queue for the ride which really helped as they came off and then went straight back on again. 

The Zoo

The park’s 15-acre zoo is open and the boys really enjoy looking around the animals. The zoo has over 100 animals spread across its 15 acres. We arrived at the park at 10 am but the rides did not start until 10.30 am so we used this time to visit the animals. Many of which were easy to spot after just having their breakfast. We particularly enjoyed the reptile house which had lots of glass cabinets at the perfect height for Harry and other young children. It is also inside so a good place to go if it rains. There are also lots of birds and monkeys. We saw the Lynx as well. 

If you are concerned about little legs. Then it is worth noting that Engine Tours’ little train from Thomas Land will take you straight into the zoo and dino trail. There is a play park close by as well but when we visited it was closed due to the rain which had made it muddy. 

A new festive show – Christmas Wishes

As well as the live shows which were shown in Thomas Land there was also a stage show in the 4 D cinema. The brand-new live show was called Christmas wishes. It follows Santa’s comedy sidekick Tinsel the elf. As he considers what else he could do and also makes some Christmas wishes of his own. With lots of dancing. music and a visit from the big man himself make for a jolly show. The live entertainment runs throughout the day. It is not possible to book the 20-minute show in advance but with multiple shows, you should not struggle to visit. 

What is there to eat at Drayton Manor during Magical Christmas?

As the wider park is closed there are more limited food options than usual. However, there is still more than enough to choose from. Including a cafe selling sandwiches next to the 4D cinema. Along with jacket potatoes, pies and hot dogs with undercover outside seating next to the grotto. Finally, there is also a burger bar close to Thomas Land plus various outlets selling ice cream and sweet treats.

How much are tickets to Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor

You must pre-book your park ticket for Magical Christmas which runs from the 13th of November to the 31st December. Booking can be done via the website and tickets cost £32 for an adult and children over the age of four. Children aged between one and three are £18 and under ones are £5. Car parking is an additional £6. The ticket price includes a timed entrance to the Grotto to see Father Christmas, a gift and a hot chocolate and mince pie for the adults. It does not include photos with packages starting at £20. Yet compared to other days out during the festive season I think this is really well priced when you think of everything included.

Festive Touches Thomas Land at Christmas

There are lots of festive touches throughout Thomas Land and into the main park for the Christmas season. Including fake snow-covered trees, bauble-covered trees, a snow machine for a white Christmas, Christmas lights and Christmas presents that line Knapford Station. Thomas tank engine looks particularly festive with Christmas lights and antlers. Not to mention the large Christmas tree by the lake which lights up and plays a festive jingle at different times of the day. There are even Percy post boxes where you can post your letters to Father Christmas and Percy will deliver them for you. We also saw elves walking around and a very friendly reindeer who was happy to pose or a photo. 

Don’t forget to stop by the 40 foot lightshow Christmas tree which is located near the food outlets in the main park. With half-hourly shows, of lights flashing in time with Christmas music, you can not help but feel in a festive mood.

Visiting Santa’s grotto at Drayton Manor

Of course, the most magical Christmas event at Drayton Manor is visiting Santa! And they really have gone all out for their most magical new grotto experience. Entry to Santa’s grotto is via a timed entry by the entrance to the zoo. You go through the grotto in small groups until you get to meet the big man. We were greeted at the entrance by cheeky elves asked about our Chrstmas wish and then shown into a seating area to meet Mrs Claus. Who was seated in a comfy air chair and surrounded by books, Christmas trees and festive items. There was plenty of seating and the children were encouraged to it near the front so they could hear to story. There was even a surprise entry by an elf pretending to be Santa. 

After we moved through into another room set in the north pole, to make reindeer food at little stations. While our elf told us what to do. The boys enjoyed filling little bags with a mixture of oats and glitter and sealing them with gold ties which they thought was great fun. Before we headed down a corridor to meet an elf who took us for our Father Christmas visit. All the while festive music is playing. There are several elves all operating at the same time taking children and their families to log cabins.

Our Santa was a bit of a comical genius or at least trying to be. Thankfully the boys didn’t seem to pick up on it and both agreed to stay on the good list. Instead of giving gifts while with him. Santa gave a token to each of us. The boys were able to exchange theirs for a gift. They got to choose from a mini garage, minion art set, Christmas book, cuddly elf, cuddly unicorn or a Cindy-type doll. The adults exchanged their tokens for hot chocolate and a mince pie. After visiting Santa you get the option to buy photos of your Santa visit. There are several different packages available starting from £20. 

Fireworks at Drayton Manor

Around five o clock, we all gathered at the Lake for the spectacular firework show. There is a little stage where Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves sing some well-known Christmas songs in a singalong show. As a count down for the fireworks. Because Drayton Manor has a zoo and there is birdlife on the lake there were really big fireworks that go boom. Instead, the display focused on colour and small rockets. It was very pretty watching it reflect in the lake. With lots of oooos and ahhhs from the crowd, the magical firework display was the perfect way to end the day.

We had such a wonderful family day at Drayton Manor at Christmas there really is something for the whole family. It makes a great day out over the Christmas period. It is also possible for you to book an overnight stay to make it even more special. Have you visited Thomas Land at Christmas I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

If you are not visiting Drayton Manor Thomas Land Christmas but at another time of year. Then our post all about our visit in the Summer may be of more interest. Including an overview of the hotel. You can read more below:

READ MORE – The Complete Guide to Thomas Land with Kids

 

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